The Hatchery Chicago

06/01/2026

Successful food businesses like , , and .co all started with an idea. The difference between other dreamers and these founders is that they took the important first step to do something about it

You could be next! The deadline to apply for the next Incubation Cohort is June 3. Don't miss this opportunity to build your own business under a new accelerated program designed to help you go from idea to launch in just 4 months.

APPLY TODAY: 🔗 in profile.

05/08/2026

We've got the experts you need for your small business all in one place TODAY UNTIL NOON at The Hatchery! This is your sign to stop into this FREE Small Business Licensing & Resource Fair.

04/28/2026

Ready to turn that food dream into a reality? 🥯✨ Whether you’re perfecting a family recipe or scaling a side hustle, we’re here to help you build a solid foundation. Fee is only $40. REGISTER NOW: https://hubs.ly/Q04dDNQW0

Join Margaret Doherty (Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) Director of Incubator Engagement) and Cheryl Balough (Balough Law Offices) for a high-impact deep dive into everything you need to launch in a food business in Chicagoland! 🏙️

📝 What We’re Covering:
✔️The Food Industry Today: Where do you fit in?
✔️Lean Startup Methodology: Work smarter, not harder.
✔️The Legal Side: Choosing your entity and protecting your brand.
✔️Production Power: Finding your commercial kitchen or space.
✔️Success Stories: Learning from the pros (and avoiding common pitfalls).

🎁 The Perks
Every attendee gets a Licensing & Production Checklist to take home. We’ve worked with hundreds of food businesses—let us help you navigate the journey!
📍 Local Love
FREE tickets are available for West Side residents! Reach out to redeem.

04/25/2026

Discover something delicious at the Spring Show! Look for the green balloons in the Gourmet Market and stop by to meet our Hatchery entrepreneurs and taste their yummy products.

04/23/2026

Understanding your costs is the foundation of a sustainable food business. Join us for a deep dive into product costing and pricing strategies designed specifically for emerging CPG entrepreneurs! SIGN UP NOW: https://hubs.ly/Q04dd-K_0

In this session, you’ll learn how to:
🧪 Break down recipes into accurate ingredient costs.
📦 Account for packaging and production expenses.
📈 Evaluate margins across different sales channels.
⚠️ Avoid common pricing pitfalls to ensure long-term growth.

Meet your expert:
We’re thrilled to host Connor Thompson, a Culinologist at Ingredion with 10+ years of industry experience. From scratch kitchens and America’s Test Kitchen to developing solutions for global hotel chains, Connor brings a wealth of knowledge in product development and clean-label innovation.

Don’t leave your margins to guesswork. Get the framework you need to price for success!

04/16/2026

👀🍽️Dreaming about starting a food business but not sure where to begin? This class is your roadmap! Join our experts for an insider session on what it really takes to launch a food business in Chicagoland—from industry trends and lean startup strategy to legal structure and commercial kitchen options. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a Licensing & Production Checklist to guide your next steps.

💥 Only $40 (free for West Side residents)
🎟️ Spots are limited—sign up now! https://hubs.ly/Q04cgw_K0

Tag someone who needs this 👇

04/02/2026

Are you building, pivoting, or scaling? Join us for an interactive evening designed to help founders turn customer insights into real-world impact.
GET YOUR TICKET: https://hubs.ly/Q047Pm370

We’re diving deep into what separates products that stall from those that soar.
What’s on the menu:
◾Validating Demand: How to know if your customers actually want what you’re selling.
◾Smart Pivoting: Real stories on how to respond when things don't go to plan.
◾Expert Strategy: Tactical advice on navigating the "messy middle" of growth.

Meet the Panel:
✨ Luke Saunders: Founder and CEO of Farmer's Fridge.
✨ Melanie Bartelme: Global Food Analyst at Mintel, the authority on consumer trends and innovation.
✨ Rifle Hughes: Co-Founder of Integral CPG and seasoned mentor for emerging brands.
✨ Glenn Pappalardo: Former COO of RXBAR (International) and Strategy lead at Kashi.

Come for the insights, stay for the light snacks and beverages! 🥂

03/29/2026

Was so great to see and members representing at the "I Cook For" benefit on Thursday night! What a wonderful and delicious evening with culinary talents coming together to help raise funds for five important causes.

03/23/2026

This session is a must-attend for anyone who has moved past the honeymoon phase of their food business and is now staring down the growing pains phase. Join Food For Thought co-founder Tim Garcia to explore both the practical and philosophical hurdles that arise as businesses evolve, with insights on how to make meaningful changes, refine systems, and approach the next stage of growth with confidence and clarity. SAVE YOUR SEAT: https://hubs.ly/Q047Wq7v0

03/21/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Katherine Valleau to the team as The Hatchery Entrepreneur Engagement Manager! READ MORE:

ICNC welcomes new Entrepreneur Engagement Manager to The Hatchery.